Gautam Gambhir, the 36-year-old who had led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles in his seven-year stay, wasn’t retained this time. Gambhir will turn out for Delhi Daredevils.

Gautam Gambhir, former Kolkata Knight Riders captain, will play for Delhi Daredevils in the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League. (PTI )

Kolkata Knight Riders decided to let go of their former captain Gautam Gambhir who was sold to Delhi Daredevils for just 2.8 cr to Delhi Daredevils at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction 2018, in Bengaluru on Saturday. (IPL AUCTION UPDATES)

Amid all the speculations that the Indian international would be bought back by the Knight Riders using their ‘Right to Match’ card, the franchise simply snubbed their skipper who had won two titles with them back in 2012 and 2014.

“Hi guys, just want to say thanks to all the KKR fans for all their love and support, which they’ve shown in the last seven years. Without your support, whatever has been achieved in the last seven years couldn’t have been possible,” he said. At the same time, I would like to thank the KKR camp for all their support as well. But from now on going forward, it’s always a great feeling coming back home, coming back to a place from where I started everything. It’s a great feeling; hopefully with the support of everyone in Delhi we can turn it around into a champion side. Happy to be back home.”

KKR finished in the top four for the first time in the very season before lifting the coveted trophy in the next year. In 2014, KKR had retained their captain and thus, it seemed the RTM would be put in place.

However, that wasn’t the case as the Knight Riders franchise seemed to be looking at fresh blood to lead the team in the coming days. It didn’t go down with a number of KKR’s fans though, as they felt the presence of Gambhir could have been a unifying factor for the defending champions. Social media is a nasty place when it comes to trolls and memes, and the management of the gold-and-purple brigade had to bear the brunt after most of their players had to be bought at an escalated price.

Here are some of the top tweets:

To all those Guys who are sad that Gautam Gambhir isn't in KKR? Pls see your Team's Reaction when they were asked for Gauti?